Modular framing tool
Disclosed is a modular framing tool and a method for beam framing. The modular framing tool of the present invention comprises alignment members attached to a common body portion. In one embodiment, the tabs are permanently and rotatably attached with a locking mechanism. Alternatively, the alignment members are removable and selectively positionable. Additionally, the modular framing tool comprises a tool attachment that may be configured to join the body portion to form a T-Square, a framing square, or the like. A leveling apparatus may also be attached to form a large leveling tool. The method comprises attaching or extending the alignment members, receiving the first beam, outlining the alignment members on the first beam, and after removing the tool, attaching a plurality of beams at the locations outlined by the alignment members. The alignment members maybe configured with a width equivalent to the thickness of the beam member to be attached.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/375,274 Filed on Apr. 24, 2002 for Mark B. Orton and to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/397,561 Filed on Jul. 22, 2002 for Mark B. Orton.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. The Field of the Invention
The invention relates to framing tools and more specifically, to multi-use framing systems and their methods of use.
2. The Relevant Art
Traditionally many buildings, especially homes, across the United States have largely been built using timber frame construction methods. In framing such buildings, a concrete foundation is first formed, and then the exterior and interior walls are built. Generally, anchor bolts are embedded in the concrete at intervals specified by the local building code. Then, using a tape measure, holes are marked, and then drilled in a base plate that will be fitted over the anchor bolts in a process commonly referred to as “center transferring,” or “transferring centers.” Once anchored, the builder can then begin to frame the walls of the house. The base plate is marked, usually at 16 or 24 inch intervals, and studs are attached at the markings in a perpendicular position with respect to the base plate. Sometimes, a wall may be framed in its entirety before being lifted into position and secured with anchor bolts. Each of these processes, however, requires a broad array of different tools.
Once the walls are framed, the builder then begins the roofing process. A common residential construction method for assembling a roof will be described herein. Under the process, individual truss units are shipped to the construction site. At the construction site, walls are formed, and generally include an upper beam that supports the trusses. The truss units are placed upon opposing supporting beams to span the distance between walls. A plurality of truss units is placed in a row with a selected spacing between trusses. The spacing is most commonly approximately 24 inches. The trusses are required to be accurately spaced from each other to provide uniform strength.
Many alignment tools are commonly available and come in many forms, including flexible tapes, and rigid poles. For example, an alignment and spacing tool of the prior art comprises a plurality of tool segments, each designed to extend between a pair of adjacent truss units. Each tool segment is configured to engage a surface of the truss unit. Rivets are provided to connect each tool unit. The rivets permit adjacent tool members to pivot about each other, allowing the segments to fold up much like a foldable measuring stick. Disengaging such a tool such for reuse is possible, but at times difficult. Other such systems tend to be expensive and not easily compacted or easily transported.
Additionally, the framing process requires that a builder carry many tools. For example, the builder needs an accurate way to mark stud location. The builder also needs a tool to transfer centers, a tool such as a framing square to make square walls, and a level.
Accordingly, it should be apparent that a need exists for an improved, inexpensive, modular system of tools that solves the many needs facing builders. A framing tool that embodies the aforementioned functions and is easily transportable, adaptable to variously dimensioned stud systems, and simple to use is desirable.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe modular framing tool of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available framing tools. Accordingly, it is an overall object of the present invention to provide a modular framing tool that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
To achieve the foregoing object, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein in the preferred embodiments, an improved modular framing tool is provided. Preferably, the modular framing tool comprises a body portion, a plurality of alignment members attached to the body portion, and a tool attachment.
In one embodiment, the plurality of alignment members is configured to be removable and selectively positionable in a manner useful for positioning beams and/or framing a house. Alternatively, the plurality of alignment members may be configured to be permanently attached to the modular framing tool and dynamically positionable in a manner useful for positioning beams and/or framing a house.
In one embodiment, the alignment members are rotatably attached and configured to protrude from the body portion at a substantially perpendicular angle. The alignment members may also comprise a hole disposed therein for ease of retraction. Alternatively, the hole is configured for temporary attachment to a beam. In one embodiment, the alignment members further comprise a spring loaded locking apparatus configured to maintain the alignment member in an extended position.
The alignment members are preferably positionable at intervals of either 16 or 24 inches, the traditional intervals of stud and truss systems respectively. In one embodiment, the modular framing tool comprises a clip attachment adapted to connect a first body portion to a second body portion to form an additional regularly spaced channel therein.
In one embodiment, the tool attachment comprises a squaring attachment that may comprise a cut-out portion disposed at one end of the elongated substantially rectangular member, the cut-out portion configured to receive therein an anchor bolt for transferring centers. Additionally, the squaring attachment may further comprise a plurality of holes disposed proximal to the cut-out portion, the holes adapted to transfer centers. Preferably, the plurality of holes of the squaring attachment are selectively positioned to form a T-square, or alternatively, a framing square when the squaring attachment is connected to the body portion. The modular framing tool of may also comprise a leveling apparatus for accurate leveling of the beam.
A method is also provided under the present invention for using a modular framing tool to position a beam. The method comprises providing a modular framing tool having a plurality of alignment members, dynamically positioning the alignment members, receiving a first beam, outlining the alignment members on the first beam, removing the modular framing tool from the first beam, and securing a second beam perpendicularly to the first beam at the location outlined by the alignment members.
In one embodiment, positioning the alignment members comprises temporarily attaching the alignment members to the body portion at desired intervals. Alternatively, positioning the alignment members comprises rotating the permanently attached alignment members to a protracted and substantially perpendicular position. The method may also comprise locking the alignment members in the protracted and substantially perpendicular position. Additionally, the method may comprise aligning a truss system that comprises at least a first and a second truss unit, or alternatively, aligning a stud system comprising at least a first and a second stud unit.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order that the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The alignment members 208, 210, and 212 are substantially equivalent to the alignment members 106. In the depicted embodiment, the alignment members 208, 210, and 212 are configured with a width equivalent to that of common framing beams, approximately 1.5 inches in the most common case. Embedded within the central portion 202 is shown a plurality of leveling devices 206. The leveling devices 206 of the depicted embodiment may comprise standard bubble levels that are well known to those skilled in the art of home building.
The alignment members 208, 210, and 212 are positioned at intervals in order to facilitate framing of either 16 inch or 24 inch spaced beams. For example, in order to frame a 16 inch beam system, alignment members 208 and 210 are extended while leaving alignment member 212 retracted. Alternatively, framing a 24 inch beam system requires that alignment members 208 and 212 are extended. Once the appropriate alignment members 208, 210, 213 are extended, a builder may trace, with a suitable writing instrument, the alignment members 208 or 210 onto a base plate. Use of the alignment members eliminates the need to measure with flexible measuring tape while estimating the width of the beam to be attached. The rigid nature of the body portion 102, along with the fixed position of the alignment members 208, 210, and 212 facilitates accurate beam placement.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the body portion 102 also comprises a coupling mechanism 308, and a plurality of holes 310 for receiving the tool attachment. The coupling mechanism 308 is preferably a spring-loaded, hand operated bolt system configured to be received by the hole 110 of the squaring attachment 104 of FIG. 1. The holes 310 receive the coupling posts 112 of the squaring attachment 104, and are configured to create a substantially right angle between the body portion 102 and the squaring attachment 104. The alignment member 106 is configured with a cutout portion 311 so that the alignment member 106 may extend and be flush with the end of the body portion 102. The alignment member 106 ability to be flush with the end of the body portion 102 is necessary when outlining locations of beams that will be located in corners.
Referring now to
One of the other holes 404 may then be used to find the center of the board (e.g., a bottom plate of a wall) that is to be placed over that hole. Once the proper hole for the length of the board has been marked, a hole is drilled in the board at the location of the mark. The board may then be placed over the protruding bolt.
The body portion 502 as depicted has a plurality of channels 606 and partial channels 608 formed therein. At the center of each channel 606 or partial channel 608 is preferably formed a hole (not shown). The holes are used to connect layout attachments 504 of the modular framing tool 500 to the body portion 502.
The channels 606 are in one embodiment formed by openings 610 (shown in
Forming the channels 606 and partial channels 608 with spacing as shown allows the modular framing tool to be used to measure both 16″ and 24″ centers. That is, a central channel 614 is disposed centrally between the partial channels 616, and the side channels 618 are provided with centers 16 inches apart and 16 inches from the center of the nearest partial channel 616.
A plurality of the layout attachments 504 may be attached to the channels 606 and 608 of the body portion 502 of
Subsequently, trusses may be attached in the proper place to the wall by first attaching two trusses in the proper location, and then using the body portion 502 of
The layout attachment 504 of
One of the other holes may then be used then to find the center of the board (e.g., a bottom plate of a wall) that is to be placed over that hole. In so doing, the proper hole 704, 708 is selected according to the width of the board. Once the proper hole for the length of the board has been marked, a hole is drilled in the board at the location of the mark. The board may then be placed over the protruding bolt. This is generally done when the wall has been framed with studs between a bottom plate (the board having a series of holes measured in this manner) and a top plate.
The clip 512 of
Referring now to
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. A modular framing tool, comprising:
- an elongated body portion, the body portion provided with an attachment mechanism for receiving a tool attachment; and
- a plurality of alignment members pivotally connected to the body portion at regular intervals, the intervals between centers of the alignment members selected to be one of 16 and 24 inches.
2. The modular framing tool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of alignment members are removable and configured to be selectively attached in a manner useful for positioning beams.
3. The modular framing tool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of alignment members are permanently attached and are transitionable between a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position useful for positioning beams.
4. The modular framing tool of claim 3, wherein the plurality of alignment members are rotatably attached and are configured to be selectively positioned to protrude from the body portion at a substantially perpendicular angle in the extended position, and to be at least substantially retracted into the body portion in the retracted position.
5. The modular framing tool of claim 3, wherein the alignment members further comprise a hole disposed therein for temporary attachment to a beam.
6. The modular framing tool of claim 3, wherein at least one of the alignment members comprises a spring loaded locking apparatus configured to maintain the alignment member in the extended position.
7. The modular framing tool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of alignment members are attached to the body portion at regular intervals.
8. The modular framing tool of claim 1, further comprising a clip attachment adapted to connect to a partial channel of the body portion to form an additional regularly spaced channel therein.
9. The modular framing tool of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment comprises a squaring attachment having a cut-out portion disposed at a first end of the squaring attachment, the cut-out portion configured to receive therein an anchor bolt for transferring centers.
10. The modular framing tool of claim 9, wherein the squaring attachment comprises a plurality of holes disposed proximal to the cut-out portion, the holes adapted for transferring centers.
11. The modular framing tool of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment comprises a plurality of holes selectively positioned to form a T-square when the tool attachment is connected to the body portion.
12. The modular framing tool of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment comprises a plurality of holes selectively positioned to form a framing square when the tool attachment is connected to the body portion.
13. The modular framing tool of claim 1, further comprising a leveling apparatus for accurate leveling of the beam, the body portion configured to receive the leveling apparatus therein.
14. A method for positioning beams using a modular framing tool, the method comprising:
- providing a modular framing tool having a plurality of pivotally connected alignment members;
- placing a plurality of pivotally connected alignment members in a selected position with respect to the modular framing tool, the selected position sufficient for use in positioning beams;
- indicating a position on a first beam using the alignment members;
- securing a second beam parallel to the first beam at the indicated position; and
- receiving a tool attachment.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein placing a plurality of alignment members in a selected position comprises temporarily attaching the alignment members to a body portion of the modular framing tool at regular intervals.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein placing a plurality of alignment members in a selected position comprises rotating attached alignment members to a protracted and substantially perpendicular position.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein placing a plurality of alignment members in a selected position further comprises locking the alignment members in the protracted and substantially perpendicular position.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the second beam is part of a truss system, and further comprising positioning and aligning a plurality of trusses of the truss system using the modular framing tool.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the second beam comprises a stud, and further comprising positioning and aligning a plurality of studs in a selected sequential order using the modular framing tool.
20. A modular framing tool, comprising:
- an elongated body portion configured with at least one straight edge;
- a plurality of alignment members pivotally connected to the body portion at regular intervals, the intervals between centers of the alignment members selected to be one of 16 and 24 inches; and
- a squaring attachment comprising a member having a plurality of holes therein, at least one of the holes adapted to connect to the body portion.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 23, 2003
Date of Patent: Aug 30, 2005
Patent Publication Number: 20030200667
Inventor: Mark B. Orton (Mimbres, NM)
Primary Examiner: Christopher W. Fulton
Attorney: Kunzler & Associates
Application Number: 10/422,416
